Sand blast device



Nov. 14, 1967 G. M. CONOVER 3,352,062

SAND BLAST DEVI CE Filed May 14, 1965 INVENTOR- Georg M. Canaver 2 ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,352,062 SAND BLAST DEVICE George M. Conover, 725 Shawnee Ave., Bartlesville, Okla. 74003 Filed May 14, 1965, Ser. No. 455,745 7 Claims. (Cl. 51-8) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A sand blast device for pipe sections having beveled ends and comprising a housing having a chamber for receiving one end of the beveled pipe ends therein, means for admitting abrasive material into the chamber, means for directing air under pressure into the chamber for impinging the abrasive material against the beveled end, and means for exhausting air from the chamber.

The present invention relates to improvements in sand blasting devices and more particnularly, but not by way of limitation, to a sand blast device for cleaning the ends of beveled pipe sections.

The ends of most pipe sections are beveled in order that the abutting ends of two adjacent pipe sections will be provided with a V-shaped groove therebetween for facilitating welding, or the like, in joining pipe sections in end to end relation. The bevel is usually provided at the outer periphery or around the outer circumference of the pipe edge, leaving a flat section on the end of the pipe around the inner periphery thereof. The flat section is usually in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of pipe section and the two flat sections of the abutting pipe sections are brought into engagement when the two pipe sections are in longitudinal alignment. Since pipe sections are usually stored outside, theyv are subjected to the abuse of the weather and the beveled end frequently becomes rusted or otherwise corroded. Consequently, the beveled ends must be cleaned prior to the welding operation. This is usually done by a sanding or a grinding operation using a sanding disc, or the like. Since the pipe ends are provided with flat portions, the sand blasting operation usually does not interfere with the aligning or placing of the two adjacent pipe ends in squared positions with respect to their longitudinal axes.

A problem has arisen today, however, in that relatively thin walled pipe is being used extensively and the beveled end of these thin walled pipe sections do not have a flat portion adjacent the inner periphery. Instead the pipe end comprises a substantially sharp edge between the bevel and the inner Wall of the pipe. As a result, the sanding or grinding operation during cleaning of the beveled portion frequently causes the sharp edge to be jagged or nonplanar and difliculties arise when trying to position two adjacent pipe sections in end to end relation.

The present invention contemplates a novel sand blasting device particularly designed and constructed for cleaning the beveled end of a thin walled pipe section in a manner substantially precluding damaging or marring of the sharp end of the pipe. The sand blasting device comprises a generally annular body portion adapted for receiving the pipe end therein. Sand or other suitable abrasive material is deposited within the body and air under pressure is directed into the interior of the body through a plurality of spaced ports. The force of the air injected into the housing creates a turbulence within the housing and around the beveled end whereby the sand or abrasive material is impinged thereagainst for a thorough and efiicient cleaning of the bevel with a minimum of damage or marring of the sharp pipe edge. The air is directed substantially toward the bevel end whereby the sand is blasted against the bevel in a manner assuring an efficient 3,352,062 Patented Nov. 14, 1967 lCC cleaning of the beveled surface and, of course, if desired, the device may be rotated with respect to the pipe for assuring a thorough cleaning of the entire beveled end. In addition, it is to be understood that the novel sand blasting device may also be utilized for cleaning flat or straight ends of pipe sections which have not been beveled.

It is an important object of this invention to provide a novel sand blast device particularly designed and constructed for cleaning the beveled end of thin walled pipe sections. I

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel sand blasting device for cleaning the beveled end of pipe sections wherein the abrasive material is directed toward the beveled portion for assuring an efficient cleaning operation thereof with a minimum of marring to the remaining end portions of the pipe.

A further object of this invention is to provide a novel sand blasting device for cleaning the ends of beveled pipe which is simple and eflicient in operation and economical and durable in construction.

Other and further objects and advantageous features of the present invention will hereinafter more fully appear in connection with a detailed description of the drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a sectional elevational view of a sand blast device embodying the invention and depicted in position around the beveled end of a thin walled pipe section.

FIGURE 2 is a sectional elevational view taken on line 22 of FIGURE 1.

Referring to the drawings in detail, reference character 10 generally indicates a sand blasting device adapted to be disposed around the end of a pipe section 12 having a beveled portion 14 at the outer extremity thereof. The device 10 comprises an annular member 16 having an outer cylindrical sleeve 18 extending substantially perpendicular therefrom and an inner sleeve 20 spaced from and concentric with respect to the outer sleeve 18 whereby an annular chamber 22 is provided therebetween. An

inwardly directed annular flange 24 is provided on the sleeve 18 oppositely disposed from the member 16 and extends in a direction toward the sleeve 20 to provide a central bore or aperture 26 for receiving the pipe 12 therethrough whereby the beveled portion 14 may be disposed within the chamber 22 for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth. An annular sealing member 28 is secured to the flange 24 in any suitable manner such as by the ring 30 and a plurality of spaced bolts 32 or the like. The sealing member 28 may be constructed from any suitable flexible or deformable material such as rubber or plastic, and'is adapted for sealing engagement with the outer periphery of the pipe 12.

One end of the inner sleeve 20 is open and the opposite end thereof may be closed by a plate 36. However, it is to be understood that both ends of the sleeve 20 may be opened, if desired. A second annular sealing member 38 is secured to the plate 36 in any suitable manner suchas by the ring 40 and the plurality of spaced bolts 42. The sealing member 38 is generally similar to the sealing member 28 and may be constructed from any suitable flexible or deformable material and is adapted for sealing engagement with the inner periphery of the pipe 12.

A manifold 44 extends around the outer periphery of the sleeve 18 and may be secured thereto in any suitable manner (not shown). The manifold 44 is provided with a suitable fitting 46 at one end thereof whereby air, or the like, under pressure may be injected into the interior of the manifold. The manifold 44 extends around the greater portion of the outer periphery of the sleeve 18 and is in communication with the annular chamber 22through a plurality of circumferentially spaced angularly disposed injection ports 48. The ports 48 are particularly arranged for directing a stream of air from the interior of the manifold 44 against the beveled portion 14 for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth. In addition, an inlet port 50 having a removable cover member 51 is provided in the sleeve 18 whereby sand or other abrasive material (not shown) may be injected or otherwise disposed within the annular chamber 22.

A plurality of circumferentially spaced exhaust ports 52 are provided in the inner sleeve 20 for releasing or exhausting air from the chamber 22. A cylindrical baflie 54 is welded or otherwise secured to the member 16 and is di sposed within the chamber substantially concentrically with respect to the sleeve 20 and is spaced therefrom as clearly. shown in FIGURE 2. The bafile 54 is of a length slightly less than the length of the sleeve 20 to provide a tortuous path for the air passing from the injection ports 48 and through the chamber 22 for discharge through the exhaust ports 52. In addition, a plurality of circumferentially spaced adjustment bolts 56 extend through the member 16 and into the annular chamber 22. The adjustment bolts 56 are spaced outwardly from the batfie 54 and are arranged to engage the end of the beveled portion 14 disposed within the annular chamber 22. The adjustment bolts 56 may be extended into the chamber 22 substantially any desired distance in order to regulate the positioning of the end of the pipe whereby the bevel 14 will be disposed in substantial alignment with the injection ports 48. Thus, the blast of air from the ports 48 will be directed against the bevel 14.

Operation The sand blast device may be disposed around the end of substantially any pipe section 12 in such a manner that the beveled end 14 thereof is disposed within the chamber 22. The device 10 may be moved longitudinally with respect to the pipe 12 until the adjusting members 56 engage the end of the pipe as shown in FIGURE 1. In this position, the sealing member 28 will be in sealing engagement with the outer periphery of the pipe and the sealing member 38 will be in sealing engagement with the inner periphery thereof. The sealing members 28 and 38 may be deformed as shown in FIGURE 1 as the device 10 is disposed on the pipe 12 for assuring an efiicient sealing engagement around the pipe.

When the device 10 is in position around the pipe 12, the beveled end '14 thereof disposed within the chamber 22, the ,cap 51 may be removed from the inlet port 50 and sand or other abrasive material may be injected therethrough into the chamber 22. The cap 51 may then be replaced and air under pressure may be admitted into the manifold 44 through the fitting 46. Of course, any suitable force may be utilized for suplying the air pressure such as an air compressor or the like (not shown). The air. moves through the manifold 44 around the sleeve 18 and is injected into the chamber 22 through the injection ports 48. The air enters the chamber from these ports under considerable force in the manner of a jet and provides turbulence within the chamber. The air picks up the abrasive material and impinges it against the beveled end 14 of the pipe. 12.

Since each air jet is directed toward the bevel 14, the sand. or abrasive material is efficiently driven against the bevel for cleaning thereof. Substantially no marring will occur at the sharp edge of the pipe end. In addition, it will be desirable to rotate the entire device 10 around the pipe in any suitable manner (not shown) in order to assure. that the eentire beveled area will be efficiently sand blasted or cleaned by the abrasive material.

The air may be exhausted from the chamber 22 through the exhaust ports 52. The baffle 54 slows the speed of the air stream sufliciently that the abrasive material carried thereby will drop out in the chamber 22 before the air is exhausted therefrom. Thus, substantially none of the abrasive material will be discharged from the cham ber through the ports 52 and the speed of the exhausting air will be greatly reduced with respect to the air being directed into the chamber.

Of course, it may be desirable to eliminate the plate 36 in some installations, particularly in the case of large diameter pipe. In this instance, an outwardly directed flange may be provided around the inner end of the sleeve 20 for securing the sealing member 38 thereto.

In some instances, pipe sections having straight or fiat ends that have not been beveled are welded together in end to end relation. Of course, it is also usually necessary to clean the flat ends prior to the welding operation and the sand blast device 10 may be utilized in a similar manner as hereinbefore set forth for cleaning the flat pipe ends. In this instance, it may be desirable to position the jets or injection ports 48 in such a manner as to direct the air stream directly against the flat end. Of course, this may be readily accomplished by providing a suitable angular disposition for the ports 48.

From the foregoing, it Will be apparent that the present invention provides a novel sand blast device particularly designed and constructed for facilitating the cleaning of pipe ends and particularly the beveled ends of thin walled pipe. The novel sand blast device may be quickly and easily installed on the beveled end of the pipe section for directing air under pressure against the beveled end. The air carries an abrasive material therewith for effectively cleaning the beveled area without marring or otherwise damaging the sharp edge thereof. The novel sand blasting device is simple and efficient in operation and economical and durable in construction.

Changes may be made in the combination and arrangement of parts as heretofore set forth in the specification and shown in the drawings, it being understood that any modification in the precise embodiment of the invention may be made within the scope of the following claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A sand blast device for pipe sections having beveled ends and comprising a housing having an annular chamber for receiving one of the beveled ends therein, sealing means carried by the housing for sealing the chamber around. the pipe, adjustable means carried by the housing for facilitating positioning of the beveled end within the chamber, inlet means for admitting an abrasive material into the chamber, means for directing air under pressure into the chamber for impinging the abrasive material against the beveled end, and means for exhausting the air from the chamber.

2. A sand blast device for pipe sections having beveled ends and comprising a housing having an annular chamber for receiving one of the beveled ends therein, sealing means carried by the housing for sealing the chamber around the pipe, inlet means for admitting an abrasive material into the housing, adjustable means carried by the housing and extending into the chamber for engagement with the beveled end to facilitate positioning thereof in the chamber, means for directing air under pressure into the chamber and against the beveled end, said air creating a turbulence within the chamber for impinging the abrasive material against the beveled end, exhaust means for discharge of the air from the chamber, and bathe means provided in the chamber for reducing the force of the air prior to discharge thereof from the chamber.

3. A sand blast device for pipe sections having beveled ends and comprising a housing having an annular chamber provided therein for receiving the beveled end of a pipe section, a first sealing member carried by the housing for sealing engagement with the outer periphery of the pipe, a second sealing member carried by the housing for sealing engagement with the inner periphery of the pipe, a plurality of adjustable members carried by the housing and extending into the chamber for engagement with the beveled end of the pipe for facilitating positioning thereof within the chamber, inlet means for admitting an abrasive material into the chamber, means for directing air under pressure into the chamber, said air creating a turbulence within the chamber for impinging the abrasive material against the beveled end, exhaust ports provided in the housing for discharge of the air therefrom, and bafiie means provided in the chamber for reducing the force of the air prior to discharge thereof from the exhaust ports.

4. A sand blast device for pipe sections having beveled ends and comprising a housing having an annular chamber for receiving the beveled end of a pipe section therein, sealing means carried by the housing and in sealing engagement with the pipe for sealing the chamber, means provided in the chamber for engagement with the beveled end to facilitate positioning thereof within the chamber, an inlet port provided in the housing and in communication with the chamber for admitting an abrasive material into the chamber, a manifold carried by the housing for receiving air under pressure therein, a plurality of circumferentially spaced injection ports provided in the housing to establish communication between the interior of the manifold and the chamber for directing the air under pressure into the chamber, said air creating a turbulence within the chamber for impinging the abrasive material against the beveled end, a plurality of circumferentially spaced exhaust ports provided in the housing for discharge of air from the chamber, and a baflie provided in the chamber and interposed between the injection ports and exhaust ports for reducing the force of the air prior to discharge thereof from the chamber.

5. A sand blast device for pipe sections having beveled ends and comprising a housing having an annular chamber for receiving the beveled end of a pipe section therein, a first sealing member carried by the housing and in sealing engagement with the outer periphery of the pipe, a second sealing member carried by the housing and in sealing engagement with the inner periphery of the pipe, a plurality of circumferentially spaced adjustable stop members carried by the housing and extending into the chamber for engaging the beveled end of a pipe to facilitate positioning thereof within the chamber, a manifold carried by the housing for receiving air under pressure therein, a plurality of circumferentially spaced injection ports provided in the housing to establish communication between the interior of the manifold and the chamber for directing the air under pressure against the beveled end of the pipe, said air creating a turbulence within the chamber for impinging the abrasive material against the beveled end, a plurality of circumferentially spaced exhaust ports provided in the housing for discharge of air from the chamber and a bafile disposed within the chamber and interposed between the injection ports and exhaust ports for reducing the force of the air prior to the discharge thereof from the chamber.

6. A sand blast device for cleaning the ends of pipe sections and comprising a housing having an annular chamber provided therein for receiving the end of a pipe section, sealing means carried by the housing for sealing the chamber around the pipe, inlet means for admitting an abrasive material into the housing, means carried by the housing and extending into the chamber for engagement with the pipe end to facilitate positioning thereof in the chamber, means for directing air under pressure into the chamber, said air creating a turbulence within the chamber for impinging the abrasive material against the pipe end, exhaust means for discharge of the air from the chamber, and baifle means provided in the chamber for reducing the force of the air prior to discharge thereof from the chamber.

7. A sand blast device for cleaning the ends of pipe sections and comprising a housing having an annular chamber provided therein for receiving a pipe end therein, a first sealing member carried by the housing for sealing engagement with the outer periphery of the pipe, a second sealing member carried by the housing for sealing engagement with the inner periphery of the pipe, a plurality of adjustable members carried by the housing and extending into the chamber for engagement with the pipe end for facilitating positioning thereof Within the chamber, inlet means for admitting an abrasive material into the chamber, means for directing air under pressure into the chamber, said air creating a turbulence within the chamber for impinging the abrasive material against the pipe end, a plurality of exhaust ports provided in the housing for discharge of the air therefrom, and baflie means provided in the chamber for reducing the force of the air prior to discharge thereof from the exhaust ports.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,727,027 9/ 1929 Dreisbach 5 18 1,864,072 6/ 1932 Kleinfeld 5 l8 2,007,844 7/1935 Baliko 5l8 LESTER SWINGLE, Primary Examiner, 

1. A SAND BLAST DEVICE FOR PIPE SECTIONS HAVING BEVELED ENDS AND COMPRISING A HOUSING HAVING AN ANNULAR CHAMBER FOR RECEIVING ONE OF THE BEVELED ENDS THEREIN, SEALING MEANS CARRIED BY THE HOUSING FOR SEALING THE CHAMBER AROUND THE PIPE, ADJUSTABLE MEANS CARRIED BY THE HOUSEING FOR FACILITATING POSITIONING OF THE BEVELED END WITHIN THE CHAMBER, INLET MEANS FOR ADMITTING AN ABRASIVE MATERIAL INTO THE CHAMBER, MEANS FOR DIRECTING AIR UNDER PRESSURE INTO THE CHAMBER FOR IMPINGING THE ABRASIVE MATERIAL AGAINST THE BEVELED END, AND MEANS FOR EXHAUSTING THE AIR FROM THE CHAMBER. 